Thursday, June 28, 2012

First, let me tell you when I started a new series "Dare yourself" I underestimated how daring it already was to live in the city for so long and actually not lose it..... well that's my opinion and I am sticking to it :) But I do apologize for my MIA in the series.

Anyway, when I started the series, one interesting thought did cross my mind. Why don't I have a friendly lunch or something with an ex? Daring act for me indeed, being a person who doesn't keep in touch with her ex's. I just don't see how it's possible or logical. I have enough good friends I enjoy to make room for the ones who either broke my heart or I broke theirs..

But with the new challenge to dare myself to do something I wouldn't normally do, I gave it another thought. Since I wasn't sure which ex I would want to contact and ask for a friendly re-union, I let it go. So imagine my surprise when one of them actually contacted me within the following 2 weeks.

Richard was a guy I dated 4 years ago for about 6 months. I met him in March of 2008, right after the busiest times at work passed, and I was ready to have some fun. And that's exactly what we did from the day (sorry, night:) we met. We saw each other almost every day, we went out in the city, we went to Long Island on the weekends. And most importantly, we both shared one big passion: wine! To pay due respect to our passion, we even made a trip to Cali, and drove all the way from LA to SF with a few stops along the way. We basically followed the steps from our favorite movie back then "Sideways". If someone hasn't seen it yet, please watch it. It's classic.

So we had a lot of fun. He was easy going, treated me like a gentleman would treat a lady. Though he was only 25 back then, he had "the moves": "Four Seasons" in Beverly Hills, horse-back riding on the beach, convertible car, Le Bernardin, and lots of Pinot (my favorite).

6 months passed (the time it normally takes for me to realize whether I fell in love or not, at least the only time I was in love...), and I started getting restless. I can't explain it, I just started getting distant. Getting back to busy times at work didn't help either. So I quietly disappeared. He tried to get me back a couple times, but he knew me too well: there is nothing you can do if I set my mind on something. We lost touch and I didn't date anyone for about 6 months, I felt terrible letting such a great guy go. I was mad at myself. Yet I couldn't explain it I knew it was the right decision. My friends were shocked as he was "perfect", and I was out of my mind. To make more sense to them, I started comparing him to couture, that is perfect but if it doesn't fit - it's a disaster..

So imagine my surprise when he emailed me on LinkedIn this Spring (4 years after we met), saying that it'd been awhile and he was curious how I was, and if I would consider grabbing a drink some time. Initial reaction: you kidding me? Why would you want to see me when I was so mean in the end and simply disappeared. I know I regretted it but still knew it was the right decision back then. Why would it be any different this time around? Yet then I remembered my new challenge, and decided What the Hell, let me go see him. So I said Yes to getting together for a drink.

Being a gentleman again, he picked the place most convenient to me, and we met on a Friday night for some vino. Honestly, it was as easy and comfortable as if those 4 years of separation never took place. We again had fun, played pool (he was teaching me his moves, of course he was perfect at it too). And at the end of the night, he confessed that he was still very interested and would like to pick up where we left off 4 years ago. My reaction: hmmm... is there a master plan behind this or he's being honest..

Not sure what to make out of all this, I start dating him, and for a month, we (again) go to nice places, we drink wine and we have a great time. Yet again, I am coming to realization this is just not my label :)). He is Chanel and I am Burberry.. I believe he got it this time too. So we quietly ended it and left "us" sideways :)

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Whoever said that Americans are not big drinkers, hasn't met New Yorkers. I know we are a nation of its own here, but still... Starting Tuesday (for many even Monday) a few drinks after work is mandatory. To take pressure off, you know.

The most popular places in midtown (where many offices are located) are Beer Bar and restaurants in and around the Grand Central. If you want to find the Corporate America (CA), head there after 6pm.

I'll cover other parts of the city where the CA is taking their edge off, but for now, enjoy a few shots of those working in midtown.

P.S. The guy with a cigar in the last pic is one of those "lucky ones" who work past 10-11pm. Having been in his place for a long time myself, I'm way too familiar with his situation. As some are leaving for a day at 6pm, he's taking a break before another 4-5 hours to go.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

The weekend is over and I feel pleasantly tired. After all the sun and drinking, you know :)

Being a typical New Yorker, I love to get away from the city on the weekends, especially in the summer. We just can't wait to pack our beach bags, change into swimsuits, and spend the whole day in them.The closest getaway place from the city is Long Island. And no, I am not going to talk about the Hamptons, will save it for another time:).

I'll share the quickest and easiest way to get away for the most of us, mere mortals. Take the LIRR from the Penn Station to Long Beach, and in less than an hour, you're at one of the nicest beaches on the East Coast. Really, besides the Hamptons and Fire Island, this is my favorite beach in NY. It's not as crowded as other beaches on Long Island and has a lot of nice places to hang out, eat and drink. Very important to me :)

So next time, you want to leave your beloved city for a day, just take the train (please don't drive to avoid sitting in traffic for hours) to Long Beach, put your sexy on, and have some sun/fun. You desperately need it after spending the whole week in the office.

Here are some shots from my weekend. See ya all there next weekend:)

P.S. Don't worry about finding it once you arrive. Just follow the crowd (which is the whole train) and in less than 10 min walk, you are right there!!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Just wanted to inform those who worried how we were baking in the NYC for the past two days that we survived the heat. It finally rained today, and within an hour, the temperature dropped by 20 degrees to the level considered acceptable by the NY standards.

But let me tell you that was one serious heat wave, must have come all the way from Jamaica. I certainly realized it when on my way home last night, I stopped at Victoria's Secret (VS).. pssst, it's a Secret!
I know I am risking my reputation here, for those who've been following my other blog, are fully aware, I am a La Perla (or other European brand) gal all the way. For me, VS is like wine sold at a drug store.
But lo and behold, last night, I paid my visit to the VS on 57th. Let me assure you, I was under the heat wave so big that only this evening after the rain fell on Manhattan did I realize where I shopped the night before.

Whatever happened, last night I walked out from VS with one piece of clothing: swimming suit bottom. And it looks delicious!! I am impressed. I guess "Never say never" holds true in all cases.

Here are some images of NYC before, during and after the rain.

P.S. Last two shots are of me (under the heat influence), having fun at VS and a new bikini in my swimsuit collection.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

As promised (and you know I always keep my promises), I launched a new blog called "New York Life". Very excited about it really. I guess that's how people feel when launching new business, or new product.. amazing sensation..

Anyway, the idea was born two weeks ago, and two days ago, it came to life. Only one post so far, but it will be a more regular and up-to-date blog than "your beloved" NY Love, as I intend to write somewhat on a daily basis about our city, good or bad. The idea is to make it very vivid, so that those who don't live in the NYC (the least fortunate of us) can experience it as if they do. And for the ones who are fortunate, to discover it all over again. We, New Yorkers, have a love-hate relationship with the city, and very often take it for granted.I believe the idea to start this blog actually came due to my recent complaining how tired of the city I was, and how I want to move some place else, blah, blah, blah... So let me tell you, once I got on the project and began paying more attention to the city, I started falling in love with it all over again. It's a truly amazing city, and we are one lucky bunch to be its residents.

So rekindle your love with the city that always takes you as you are, and get excited all over again to be living here. And for those who've never been here or don't live here, welcome to experience it thru me and other New Yorkers. I promise you it will be as real as it gets, since being real is a true essence of living here.

One more promise here: I'll still keep this blog (NYL) active and give it as much attention as before, as long as I am in search for true love. So no worries:)Yet let me welcome you to my new beginning and invite you to partake in a wonderful experience what we call Life, i.e. New York Life.

Let me tell you, it's been two hot days in the city, a heat wave really. The temperature has been in the upper 90's but felt like in 100's. Having spent most of these days in the freezer (the office), I still did manage to take a walk home and as always NY didn't fail to impress me. It can be 20 or 100 degrees outside, the life goes on!

As I was walking through the streets of midtown and the Central Park, I was reminded once again what it is that inspires me about the NYC the most. It's its spirit. When most people would be sitting inside next to the cooler, we, New Yorkers, go about our business as usual.Being a fitness fanatic myself, I am especially inspired by those running/working
out in the park, in this heat. Here are some shots I took during my walk: Central park mostly.

I was also amazed with the way the sunset was revealing itself to me thru the sky scrapers, three shots with a glimpse of the setting sun.. the last shot is of my gym (what can I say, I still need the comfort of cool air when I am running...)

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

It's with lots of passion and excitement I am launching a new blog (sister blog to "New York Love") that will cover the most amazing city in the world: New York. In my usual sincere and down-to-earth way, I'll write about life in the city. And I mean life: style, fashion, work, food, entertainment, fun, and most importantly, New Yorkers themselves. We are a unique bunch, always on the go, always in a hurry, and yet always striving for better life.
Once I again I want to welcome you to my new blog and as always: Enjoy!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

I know I've been no-show for awhile now, and I know some of you have been curious... (Linka love you...)So just wanted to drop a line and give a status on my whereabouts.

First, work as usual. I just love financial reporting and analysis, never lets you get out of shape..

Second, I've been very busy socially. It seems as if all my friends have never been so present since my college years. Girl-friends are precious, could never imagine my life without them.

Third, I've been dating of course :) many guys, many options, but this time I'm pacing myself. Never spread myself thin, and even less so these days. But yes, there is a lot of interest and all I have to do is make sure I am being smart and patient. By the way, ladies, I found the best solution on how to weed out the ones who are only in it for some thrills. Wait on getting intimate. I know it's hard with the one you can't wait to get your hands on, and get hot, hot, hot (it's always been my weakness;). But if you ever find yourself in a situation similar to mine: a lot of interest, a lot of guys, and you want to make sure you choose the right one to be a great boy-friend and not just a fling. My word of advice: Wait. Just wait. and see who will stand the time. He'll be the guy and he'll get the hot-hot-hot, and you'll be happy. Just take your time girl. You'll never regret this.

Lastly, I am so on my blog. I already have at least 3 new posts in project, just need to be done with all my work deadlines to finish them. Also I started thinking on developing another blog, sister blog if you will, which will focus on fashion, mostly on how to dress and look stylish in NYC and do it on the budget. It's coming I promise.

As for now, let me get thru with my deadlines this and next week. Besides I have some interesting meetings this week, which I make sure to cover on my blog.

Happy summer everyone. It's my favorite season, and I wish you all to enjoy it. Get sexy, have fun.

P.S. Last week I found the most gorgeous chair in the world (pic). It sure will be in my house, once I move out of NYC and having a house won't seem like a utopian idea anymore :)

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Since love is my favorite subject, naturally I've always been curious about marriage as an institution. Half of my friends are or have been married which enabled me to gather data for my research and analysis. I probably already formed my opinion about marriage long time ago; hence the reason I turned down a marriage proposal a couple times. But it wasn't till last night that I finally had a clear vision on where I am standing.

So last night, I had dinner with two girl-friends, one of them is recently married with a small baby. We had fun and all, and as night was ending I asked my married girl-friend a question I ask all my married friends: Are you happy to be married? Is it all you envisioned it to be?

Honestly, every time I ask this question I get "almost" the same reaction. Notice not the same wording, but the same reaction: deep heavy breath, long pause and a look full of doom. Then they start talking and the following 3 things never fail to shock me.

1) First, I'm stoned when they tell me that sex kind of goes away.... whatever that means... and no one is talking about pleasuring themselves or being sexually starved. It's like an ordinary thing.2) Then I am speechless when they tell me that it's not about them anymore, but kids. Meaning, they don't enjoy each other anymore but take care of kids. By the way, my research has shown that for some unknown reason marriage and kids almost always go together. Simple love and company of one partner are just not enough, it needs to be enriched with diapers. I guess it's that icing on the wedding cake..3) And finally I am completely floored when they tell me that they don't get to do what they loved to do before marriage, moreover, they nag their partner for "wasting" time on things they love to do and not on them/family.

Once I get over my triple shock, I overflow them with the following questions (not intentionally but out of curiosity and to get data for my research): Are you serious? Why did it change because of marriage? Isn't it supposed to improve your life? Why did sex go away? Isn't marriage supposed to be a free pass to unlimited sex? Isn't it fun that you don't have to date around and just focus all your fun sexual energy on the man you love? Why don't you look and try to look sexy anymore? It's still you and it's still him. Why give up yourself and not let him be? Why don't you let him do his thing (playing games, sports) and do your thing in the meantime? and so on and so on.... I can't stop.

They blankly stare at me as if I am simply clueless and have no freaking idea what I am talking about. And give me some BS answer that probably doesn't even make sense to them. Every time, every married friend. Even the last one, who is the most progressive of all, and still does girls' nights out, and still has a scent of an expensive perfume and not a baby powder...

Then I spent more time thinking about where I am standing on marriage based on research and observation. and I had it!! It was like a light bulb really, I even had to call it a night at 10pm and excuse myself home. My inner voice was too loud to ignore, it needed to be heard. It had a clear answer for me: I don't want this. I don't want to be where my married friends are.

I don't want to give up my passions and dreams and not let my partner enjoy his. I don't want to be constantly controlled and I don't want to control him. I don't want to nag him and be manipulative. I refuse to give up myself and make him do the same. I don't want to stop taking care of myself and not look sexy. I don't want to move to suburbs and have babies, and that being all there is to it. After all the "don't's" I moved on to the "do's".And I clearly saw what I wanted when I am married. It's very simple. I want to enjoy it. I want to have fun. I want us to enjoy it. Travel around the world, do our favorite things together and apart, inspire each other, motivate each other, make each other laugh, make love whenever wherever... Take care of myself, wear La Perla, drink wine, stay at beautiful hotels, go to the beach, go out, etc.. Nothing's wrong with it. The bible says: A wife should enjoy her husband. God himself intended for marriage to be joy. Nothing new here.

As for the little angels with diapers, I had to accept the fact that I might stay away, being well aware that they could stand in the way of enjoying the life. or as I told my friends last night Only if it happens out of big love and by accident. Selfish? Maybe. But isn't nagging and controlling your partner even more selfish, and it's usually because of kids. So if I have to be selfish I'd rather go for the former, and at least have a joyful and happy life with my partner.

Then I felt a great sense of relief and it made a whole lot of sense to me why I hadn't jumped into "Till death do us part" yet. I simply didn't know what I really wanted and was smart enough to wait till I did (unlike most people). And it's as simple as it gets: Enjoy it, whatever it does or doesn't take.

P.S. Still wishing good luck to all married with kids couples out there. and please don't forget about sex.